Four problems related to alternator/generator/regulator have been reported for the 1998 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1998 Ford F-150. Consumer writes in regards to recall notice and problem with charging system the consumer stated after having the fuel straps replaced at the dealer under the recall, a few days later, he began to smell gas. When he looked under the vehicle, he discovered the fuel tank was leaking gas around the rear fuel tank strap, that was just replaced days before. The consumer returned to the dealer and explained to them, the fuel tank was not leaking when he first brought the truck to them. The dealer stated they were not responsible.
Incident #1 intermittent electrical contacts in engine bay affecting charging system, emissions, and drive systems. Ford dealer diagnosed as "bad alternator" and "bad wiring harness". After I brought it back without having repairs done, I cleaned and lubed all connectors. All problems went away. I ended up having to buy a new battery due to damage done by the faulty connections. The problems had been intermittent and progressively got worse before I cleaned and lubed all connectors, this problem cost me a battery, and almost caused me to wreck as the battery died at night on the highway. With no battery and no alternator, the vehicle stalled, lighting died, etc. Incident #2 leaking timing cover gasket and lower intake gaskets. At this moment the vehicle has 127k appx miles on it, and it is currently sitting as I will not drive it until it is repaired, all miles put on vehicle have been "light" miles (no heavy towing, no overloading of vehicle, no excessive speed, etc). Ford issued a bulletin stating that there was a problem with gaskets up until roughly 1/16/98. They then issued a customer satisfaction remedy that did not cover the full gasket set or all affected engine model years. According to the bulletin, my engine (mfg date prior to 9/97) is affected, according to their customer satisfaction remedy it is not eligible. In my book, this is something that needs to be the basis of a recall. Engines have died with as little as 50k miles on them, I have never had a vehicle that I was honestly scared to drive until now. I will most likely be performing my own repairs on this vehicle due to Ford's incompetence.
Dealer says serpentine belt can be expected to require frequent replacement (annual) on vehicle to correct squealing noise.
In wet and cold conditions vehicle stalls out and dies with no warning. Just before the vehicle stalls, alternator light comes on. To restart vehicle, driver has to turn the ignition off . The dealer has been notified and they have notified the manfacturer.